Ukraine could be granted instant Nato membership if Russia violates the terms of the peace deal being negotiated by Donald Trump.

The White House is considering this mechanism to address concerns that Vladimir Putin would use a ceasefire to regroup and launch another invasion, according to reports.

Under the strategy, Kyiv would be allowed to bypass a series of hurdles to prove it is fit to join the Western military alliance.

Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, has repeatedly called for his war-torn country to be admitted to Nato, describing it as the cheapest way for allies to guarantee its security.

The alliance’s 32 members are covered by the Article 5 mutual defence clause, which states an attack on one is an attack on all.

Publicly, the US has not pushed for Ukraine to join the alliance, with Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, recently telling a meeting of Nato counterparts that it was an unrealistic prospect for Ukraine in any peace settlement.